In today’s digital world, protecting your business from cyber threats is more important than ever. Cybercriminals are always finding new ways to attack, and businesses need to stay one step ahead. Dr. Cori Ann Russell an experienced entrepreneur, shares practical advice for business owners in 2025 to help keep their data safe. Let’s look at some simple steps you can take to protect your business.

1. Use Strong Passwords

Using strong, unique passwords is one of the easiest ways to protect your business from cyberattacks. Weak or reused passwords are a common target for hackers.

Tips for stronger passwords:

1. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

2. Change passwords regularly.

3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.

2. Keep Software Updated

Outdated software can leave your business vulnerable to attacks. It’s important to keep all your systems and software up to date with the latest security patches.

What you should do:

1. Set your software to update automatically.

2. Install updates as soon as they’re available.

3. Remove outdated or unsupported programs.

3. Train Your Employees

Your employees play a big role in keeping your business safe. Cori Ann suggests regular training to help your team recognize threats and avoid mistakes that could lead to data breaches.

Training should cover:

1. How to spot phishing emails and suspicious links.

2. The importance of using secure passwords and 2FA.

3. Proper handling of sensitive information.

4. Secure Your Network

A secure network is essential for protecting your business’s data. Cori Ann recommends using firewalls and VPNs to keep your information safe from outside threats.

How to improve network security:

1. Use firewalls to block unauthorized access.

2. Set up VPNs for employees working remotely.

3. Keep an eye on network activity for any unusual behavior.

5. Back Up Your Data

Backing up your data regularly ensures that even if something goes wrong, you won’t lose important information. This is especially important if you’re hit by ransomware.

Best practices for backing up data:

1. Set up automatic backups to a secure location.

2. Use encryption to protect your backup data.

3. Test your backups regularly to make sure they work.

6. Create a Response Plan

If a cyberattack happens, you need to be prepared. Cori Ann recommends having a clear response plan in place so you can act quickly and limit the damage.

A good response plan includes:

1. A list of people responsible for handling the situation.

2. Steps to contain the attack and minimize the impact.

3. How to communicate with employees, customers, and authorities.

7. Monitor Your Systems

Regularly monitoring your systems can help you spot issues before they turn into big problems. Cori Ann suggests doing regular security checks to catch any vulnerabilities.

Steps to monitor your systems:

1. Use security tools to track unusual activity.

2. Conduct regular security audits to find weak spots.

3. Hire experts to assess your systems and offer advice.

8. Stay Informed About New Threats

Cybersecurity is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up to date on the latest threats. Cori Ann stresses the need for continuous learning to protect your business from new risks.

How to stay informed:

1. Subscribe to cybersecurity newsletters.

2. Attend online workshops and webinars.

3. Follow experts in the cybersecurity field.

9. Protect Mobile Devices

With more employees working remotely, it’s important to secure mobile devices used for work. Cori Ann advises business owners to set strict security rules for mobile device use.

Mobile security tips:

1. Require passwords and encryption on all devices.

2. Use remote wipe tools to erase data if a device is lost or stolen.

3. Install mobile device management (MDM) software to enforce security policies.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is more important than ever in 2025. By following Cori Ann Russell’s simple tips, you can protect your business from cyber threats. Whether it’s using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, or training your employees, these steps will help safeguard your data and keep your business running smoothly. Staying alert and prepared is the best way to defend against cyberattacks.